Female, 19

​Yesterday was Bell Let’s Talk Day, and they ask people to talk about what Mental Health Means to them. To me, Mental Health means being able to talk to Open Door staff at any time of the day about what is on my mind. The Open Door has been on my side every step of the way.
Throughout my life, I have been through abuse, emotional, physical, and sexual. At first, I did not know how to cope with it all, so I self-harmed. Depression is a very hard thing to get through. Every day is a battle for your life and I struggled for years. I came to the Open Door feeling worthless and alone. I was living in Wetaskiwin at the time, sleeping on the streets, and benches, in and out of trap houses, and then I found the Open Door. I consider the Open Door to be my home.
When I first came, I didn’t know anyone, and I had to make new friends. Making friends was hard especially in a new town and in a new school. Through the Open Door, I was able to meet many new people and supports.  They helped enroll me in school, set me up with mental health appointments, hooked me up with the LGBTQ+ community, and looked after my basic needs.
Every day is still a battle through my eyes, but every day it gets a little better.
 
You guys don’t know how much you do. I appreciate all that you do.
You guys saved my life. Thank you.